Mr. David Joel Bates

David was born on March 11, 1956, son of Robert L. and Tommie L. Bates of Griffin. After attending high school, he went into the Marines in the early 1970’s. Later he worked many years for Dundee Mills before going to work as an automobile mechanic. David was raised in the Baptist faith. He was a simple, God fearing man who enjoyed camping, fishing, Nascar racing, wrestling, spending time with his family and working on his go cart. He and his best friend and brother-in-law, Sammy, liked to get up early and go fishing or work on motorcycles which he loved to ride and did for many years. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert L. Bates.

Survivors include his mother, Tommie Lou Goddard Bates; fiancé and best friend, Karen Shaw; daughter & son-in-law, Jennifer & Jason Dukes; sons, Jason Bates, Michael Bates; sisters & brothers-in-law, Evelyn & Sammy Durrough, Barbara & Wiley Nale; grandchildren, Sydney Morgan, Gage Dukes, Kiara Dukes, Hannah Casteel and Haley Hatchett. Nieces, nephews and other family also survive.

Funeral services for Mr. David Joel Bates will be held Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Haisten McCullough Funeral Home. Rev. Jason Coussons will officiate. Interment will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit the family on Friday, February 14, 2014 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Haisten McCullough Funeral Home, 1155 Everee Inn Rd. is in charge of arrangements.